By DIONNE GLEATON T&D Staff Writer
Cyclists who participated in the South Carolina Alzheimer’s Association’s “Ride to Remember” fundraiser say they were proud to be a part of the fight against the degenerative neurological disorder that affects more than 80,000 people in the state.
The 10th annual event took place July 13-15 when a total of 350 bicyclists pedaled the 252 miles from Simpsonville to Mt. Pleasant, making stops in North, Orangeburg and Newberry along the way.
The ride has already raised more than $550,000 toward a goal of $750,000. The funds will help support Alzheimer's support services, education and research programs through the S.C. Alzheimer's Association.
"And we will continue to fundraise through July 31," said Taylor Wilson, director of communications and advocacy with the state association. Individuals can donate to the cause by visiting www.aridetoremember.org.
Riders converged in Orangeburg County on Saturday, making a pit stop at North Town Hall, where volunteers treated them to water and snacks. Lunch for riders was sponsored by Morningside of Orangeburg, Riverside Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center and Edisto Home Care and Hospice. The Orangeburg Rotary and Lion's clubs prepared a baked chicken dinner for the cyclists and ride volunteers at the First Baptist Church Family Life Center.
Orangeburg Rotary Club members Bob McCurry and Russell Blanchard participated in all three segments of this year’s ride. The attorneys said they enjoyed the experience.
"Last year my son and I rode. This year he was working in Charlotte and wasn't able to ride. It's a big event and well organized and well run, but you're glad to get it done. It's pretty taxing, but I had a great time," said McCurry, an attorney with the Horger, Barnwell & Reid Law Firm in Orangeburg.
He said he enjoyed helping prepare Saturday's meal for the bicyclists and was pleased to support the event's cause.
"Nobody can be against Alzheimer's research because Alzheimer's just touches so many people," McCurry said, noting that he knows clients, family and friends impacted by the disease.
"The ride is just extremely well organized, and it's been extremely successful, too ... . We raise a great deal of money," he said. "I feel sure it'll be over $600,000. People are still donating, still raising money.”
Blanchard, an attorney with the Williams & Williams Law Firm in Orangeburg, said this was his third year participating in "A Ride to Remember."
"I enjoy bike riding, and wanted to do a long ride. I thought it would be a good challenge. I also like the cause. My great-grandmother had Alzheimer's, and at the time I got involved, Karen Williams was alive and I was working at Williams & Williams and grew up with the family. I got to see how she was affected and her family," he said.
Judge Karen Williams, retired chief justice of the U.S. 4th Circuit Court of Appeals, died after battling early-onset Alzheimer’s disease on Nov. 2, 2013. She was a longtime member of the Orangeburg Rotary Club.
Her son, Charlie H. Williams III, is also a member of the club, which has worked to raise funds for Alzheimer’s research for many years. Williams was one of the coordinators of this year's "Ride to Remember." fundraiser.
Blanchard said he's seen the event grow.
"It's a great ride. I've seen some other organized rides, but this one is well organized. The volunteers are great, the people that run it. It is amazing all the different things they get to work together so well. It is a lot to coordinate," he said.
Rev. Ryan Tucker, senior pastor at First Baptist Church of Orangeburg, marked his third year participating in the fundraising event.
"For me, it's directly related to just doing what I do for a living as a pastor. I have worked with several people who have had Alzheimer's, people that it affected directly, and just recognize how difficult the disease is," Tucker said.
"If all they need for me to do is ride a bicycle to raise some money, I don't mind raising money ... ," he said. "We have a whole army of Orangeburg people that prepare a meal over at the Family Life Center on Saturday night. They're also a huge part of what makes the ride meaningful and successful."
Tucker said he is particularly proud of one of his church members, Marie Choi, who rode the entire length of the ride this year.
Last year, Choi, a biking enthusiast, was struck by a truck and suffered five broken bones, a concussion and massive trauma to her left side.
“I have had to make a lot of adjustments, and some things are never going to be quite normal again. I have struggled to find ways to make it less painful to achieve the performance level that I had before … but I just love cycling too much to give it up,” Choi said, noting that completing this year’s Alzheimer's ride was “a very satisfying and rewarding experience.”
Alzheimer’s has impacted the lives of many of her friends and loved ones, she said.
“My father-in-law passed away from Alzheimer’s six years ago … . I have lost several friends to the disease and currently have close friends who are caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s. I participate to provide moral support for them,” Choi said.
She said she enjoys the physical challenge and adventure of cycling across the state and forming friendships with other cyclists and volunteers.
A team of cyclists from Zeus also participated in this year's ride.
For more information about Alzheimer's, visit www.alz.org/scor call the state Alzheimer's Association 24-hour helpline at 1-800-272-3900.